The Raider Review
Fall 2026 Edition
A message from Dr. Jarred Zapolnik, Superintendent of South Range Local Schools
“Raising the Standard: Better Every Day”
Dear South Range Community:
Our theme for the 2026–27 school year is Raising the Standard: Better Every Day. This theme represents both a challenge and a commitment. It directly aligns with the Raider Way, which guides our work toward achieving the district’s mission and vision. The Raider Way includes four key components: High Expectations, Communication & Collaboration, Student Performance, and Safety & Resources. We do not have to be perfect; we must continue to improve. We strive to become better for our students, better for one another, and better as a school community. This year, we have established rigorous district goals that challenge us to Raise the Standard and Get Better Every Day for every student.
In September of 2026, our district learned that all three South Range buildings exceeded state standards on the 2026 Ohio State Report Card, with historic positive trends in student achievement and progress. Our students are also receiving recognition beyond our district, with South Range Elementary School, South Range Middle School, and South Range High School all ranked among the top elementary, middle, and high schools in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the hard work of our students.
But the Raider Way is about more than rankings, scores, and championships. It is about people. It is the teacher who takes an extra moment to check on a student, the coach who teaches lessons beyond the playing field, the staff member who offers encouragement, the student who includes someone who feels left out, the family who supports our schools, and the community that comes together when we need one another.
Throughout this newsletter, you will see just a small part of the story of how South Range educates, supports, and celebrates our students. From historic academic achievement and college, career, workforce, and military readiness to athletics, activities, hands-on learning, and our Raider Profile students, there is much to celebrate.
Thank you for continuing to Raise the Standard, for believing in our students, and for helping make South Range a community where we Get Better Every Day. I am honored to serve as superintendent. Together, we continue to move our story forward—with unity, strength, and Raider pride.
Go Raiders,
Jarred
Dr. Jarred Zapolnik
Superintendent
South Range Local School District
📑 Keep Up to Date with All Board Policies 📑
South Range Schools works each month to revise, update, and adopt several NEOLA policies.
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies, as they play a critical role in guiding the district's operations and decision-making. All board policies are available for review on our website at BoardDocs.
The latest and greatest from our district
Our Raiders are exploring career pathways, students are achieving excellence, and our community continues to support The Raider Way.
The Canfield Fair provided another great opportunity for our South Range students and families to showcase their talents, hard work, and dedication. From our talented cheerleaders to the many students who competed, exhibited, and participated throughout the fair, our Raiders proudly represented South Range and made our school community proud.
Congratulations to all of our students and families who participated in this year’s Canfield Fair! Your commitment, effort, and willingness to share your talents with our community are wonderful examples of what it means to Raise the Standard: Better Every Day!
Welcome Back: An Update from Mr. Matos, SRES Principal
Off to a Great Start
It feels like the school year just started and it’s hard to believe we are already at the end of the first nine weeks at South Range Elementary! We are off to a great start in our classrooms and throughout the K-12 complex. This is an exciting time for our school as we continue to implement new programs and utilize new resources in all of our classrooms. With your continued support and encouragement, we will provide a positive environment that will enhance the lives of our children. I hope we may all continue to work together to achieve maximum success for our students.
Happy November: An Update from Mrs. Ware, SRMS Principal
It's amazing how quickly the school year is going! Students have successfully completed the first nine weeks and have much to celebrate. As we head into November, I am continually grateful for the South Range community. This month, I want to continue celebrating our students, families, and community while also highlighting how we can give back to our students.
I encourage everyone to check out this month's newsletter, which is jam packed with information and celebrations: https://app.smore.com/n/72x69. Please continue to use this newsletter and our school website to stay informed about staff and student celebrations, important dates, and upcoming events. In addition, look for opportunities to support our school through our upcoming food drive or joining our amazing PTO.
Our middle school teachers are excited to extend learning into nature and the outdoors as the weather allows. We’ll also continue to provide opportunities for outdoor recess whenever possible, so please make sure students have appropriate outdoor clothing.
As we move into this season of gratitude, thank you for all you do to support our students and our school. Together, we continue to show The Raider Way: Respect. Responsibility. Resilience.
Jim Tressel Fitness Challenge
The challenge gives students an opportunity to work toward personal fitness goals, track their progress, and learn the importance of staying active outside of school. Families are encouraged to participate and support their students as they complete the activities at home.
Students should work through the activities outlined in their workbooks and record their progress as directed. The goal is to encourage students to make healthy choices, stay active, and recognize the importance of regular physical activity.
Completed workbooks are due Monday, November 30. Students should return their workbooks to Mr. Crish or Mrs. Liebig.
Thank you for supporting our students as they work to build healthy habits and make physical fitness a part of their everyday lives!
6th Grade's Camp Frederick Trip
MS & HS Speech & Debate
Congratulations to our Speech & Debate Team!
Team: 5th overall
Drama: Callie Roller 2nd
Duo: Danica Gaal/Ella Monroe 4th
Nick Wellington/Jack Yurcich 2nd
Humor: Jack Yurcich 3rd
Info: Callie Roller - Champion
Public Forum: Steven DiMuzio/Lilah Angus-Champions
USX- JJ Kennedy Champion
MS Interp:
Bronwen Ball
Dallas Dispenza- Champion
MS Dec: Will Lowery 2nd
Maren Conrad 3rd
Madison Quinlan 3rd
Ava Usis 4th
Giavanna Martin 5th
Brooks Woolley 6th
MS Congress: Corey Angus 2nd
A Great Start to the Year: An Update from Mr. Szolek, SRHS Principal
What a great beginning to our 2026-2027 school year. Thank you to our families and community partners for your continued support of our students and programs! One focus this year, at the high school, is on raising the rigor in all classrooms through increasing the level of questioning and providing exposure to ACT-like assessment items.
Another area of emphasis is improving our rate of attendance. Each day, homerooms which have 100% attendance will be entered into a drawing which will take place at the end of the quarter. For the first quarter the theme is “Donut Miss a Day of School.” The two homerooms drawn will receive a donut party!
Finally, in prioritizing the safety of our students, we are collaborating with the ESC of Eastern Ohio and the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office to implement vaping prevention and alternative to suspension programs. More information regarding this initiative will follow!
Again, thank you for making South Range a truly great place to be! Go Raiders!
High School Highlights and What's Happening
September/October Review
Skilled Trades Expo
On September 23 , nearly 80 of our high school students attended the Skilled Trades Expo at the Canfield Fairgrounds. During this event, our students were able to explore career opportunities with the various trade unions in rd Mahoning County. The day’s highlights included hands-on activities, carpentry competitions and plenty of prizes/giveaways!
Homecoming Weekend - September 18-19, 2026
Congratulations to our Fall 2026 Homecoming Court:
Grade 9 - Gemma Groves & Harley Booms
Grade 10 - Ava Peterson & Zac Judin Grade
Grade 11 - Alana Thompson & Drew Starkey Grade
Grade 12 - Avery McGrath & Gino Carrocce, Olivia Ramps & Tony Sebastian, Kensington Scott (Queen) & Tommy Valentine (King)
Mahoning Valley College Fair
Slippery Rock University hosted a Mahoning County College Fair in late September. Nearly 50 colleges and universities attended the event, providing information to our junior and senior students.
United Way Pack the Valley - NHS
Mrs. Fishel and our National Honors Society students volunteered their time at the “Pack the Valley” event, sponsored by the United Way.Our teampacked over 85,000 meals of macaroni and cheese which will be distributed through Gleaners Food Bank, United Way, Heart Reach Ministries, and MYCAP. Our SRHS group won the competition for fastest packers and won a pizza party.
Upcoming in November
November 10 - Veterans Day Program (w/Elementary) th November 13 - Sophomores Visit MCCTC th November 19 - Mt. Union Finance/Entrepreneurship Field Trip
Thanksgiving Recess
Classes will not be in session beginning Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27 . Happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 30 .
Staff Spotlight
Mr. Rach, Science The high school is excited to have Mr. Rach join our staff after two years as a teacher in the middle school. Welcome to the high school, Mr. Rach!
Mrs. Chen, Mathematics The SRLSD would like to welcome Mrs. Chen to our High School team! Mrs. Chen comes to us from the Youngstown City School District where she taught for six years.
Beyond these walls...
Our own Evalynn Kloos, grade 10, is an accomplished archer. Beginning her career in 2020 with On Target Outfitters and currently competing competitively with Noble Aim, Evalynn currently holds five state records. She has won four state titles and is a three-time Ohio “Shooter of the Year. ” At the national level, Evalynn has twice finished in the “top five” and ranked as high as #2 in the country. Congratulations to Evalynn on her accomplishments.
South Range is pleased to announce that our Transportation Department now uses FinalForms to communicate directly with students and parents regarding individual bus transportation.
When the Transportation Department needs to share information specific to a bus, we will send the communication through FinalForms to the students and parents assigned to that bus.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Hammond at bhammond@southrange.org.
Farm Fresh Breakfast Is Off to a Great Start!
Our Farm Fresh Breakfast is a success! Beginning this fall, students enjoy fresh Tierra Verde eggs and sausage, and we are excited to continue serving breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday through November. A special thank-you to our football team and to all of our K–12 students who came out to support this new initiative. We appreciate your enthusiasm and support as we continue to provide great opportunities for our students and families!
